Both Northeast Jefferson and Lakewood are within the same county-Jefferson County, Colorado. They share similar weather conditions and tax rates due to being in the same state. However, there are differences in crime rates, cost of living, economy, infrastructure, and cultural experiences. This comparison will give you a complete understanding of these two places to help you make an informed decision whether you are considering relocating or just visiting either city.
Overall, Lakewood is safer than Northeast Jefferson. According to crime rate statistics, Lakewood's crime rate is slightly below the national average, while Northeast Jefferson's rate is considerably higher. This is something both residents and visitors should consider when choosing to relocate or visit.
Cost of Living
Northeast Jefferson has a higher cost of living compared to Lakewood. You can expect to pay more for necessities like grocery shopping, healthcare, and housing in Northeast Jefferson. Apart from housing, Lakewood's other living costs are slightly above the national average, making it a more affordable choice.
Income Tax
For income tax, there's no difference, as both cities follow the Colorado state income tax rate of 4.63%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Northeast Jefferson are generally higher due to the higher property values compared to Lakewood. Both cities follow the Jefferson County average property tax rate of 0.55% of the property's assessed value.
Sales Tax
The total sales tax rate in both Northeast Jefferson and Lakewood is the same, 7.5%. This rate includes both state and city sales taxes, as well as the Jefferson County tax.
Income
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Estimated median household income
$91,025
$77,122
Estimated per capita income
$46,835
$46,404
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
119.7
110.2
If you make $50,000 in Lakewood, you will have to make $54,310 in Northeast Jefferson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Northeast Jefferson is located closer to the heart of the Denver metro area. Lakewood, on the other hand, is nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering residents and visitors alike stunning natural views and easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Geographical information
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Land area
172.8 sq. miles
41.6 sq. miles
Population density
2,615.1 people per sq. mile
3,765.3 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Northeast Jefferson, CO Lakewood, CO
Education
Both communities are part of the Jefferson County Public School system, offering quality education at all levels. However, Northeast Jefferson has a higher percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher, which might imply a more educated population overall.
Northeast Jefferson has more employment opportunities in technology and professional sectors compared to Lakewood. On the other hand, Lakewood has a stable economy marked by consistent jobs in healthcare, retail, and education sectors.
Biggest Employers
Jefferson County Public Schools, Terumo BCT, and St. Anthony Hospital are among the biggest employers in Lakewood. In Northeast Jefferson, the largest employers are Oracle Corporation, Jefferson County Government, and Ball Corporation.
Weather
Both Lakewood and Northeast Jefferson experience a “high desert” type of climate, with warm summers and cold winters. They have similar annual precipitation rates with an average moisture level of about 16 inches. The weather can occasionally be severe, with spontaneous thunderstorms in the summer and heavy snow in the winter.
Weather and climate
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Temperature - Average
47.9°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17.2 in
17.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
64%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Northeast Jefferson, Colorado
Average climate in Lakewood, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
2018
104
100
0.40
0.42
22.3
22.5
34.9
34.3
N/A
N/A
29.2
29.2
8.4
8.4
0.7
0.7
2017
97
95
0.40
0.42
22.5
22.9
34.5
36.8
N/A
N/A
22.0
22.0
8.2
8.1
0.8
0.8
2016
90
90
0.44
0.46
24.4
24.6
34.3
36.0
N/A
N/A
22.6
22.6
7.8
7.8
1.0
1.0
2015
101
101
0.45
0.47
24.1
24.7
32.8
34.9
N/A
N/A
21.0
20.9
9.5
9.6
1.0
1.0
2014
94
94
0.45
0.46
23.4
23.8
33.1
32.9
N/A
N/A
25.0
24.8
10.1
10.1
1.3
1.3
2013
84
84
0.40
0.41
21.0
21.2
33.6
35.9
N/A
N/A
24.3
24.1
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.5
2012
91
91
0.34
0.34
18.9
18.9
33.4
37.9
N/A
N/A
24.4
24.6
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2011
90
90
0.34
0.34
18.1
18.1
32.0
36.0
N/A
N/A
23.8
23.8
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.6
2010
79
79
0.42
0.42
16.3
16.3
29.2
34.7
N/A
N/A
26.5
26.5
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.0
2009
76
76
0.38
0.38
14.1
14.1
27.9
33.3
0.005
0.005
22.5
22.4
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2008
85
85
0.42
0.42
17.3
17.3
30.8
37.2
0.008
0.008
25.5
25.4
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2007
96
96
0.39
0.39
20.6
20.6
29.0
35.5
0.007
0.007
29.1
29.4
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.2
2006
89
89
0.46
0.48
19.0
19.0
29.5
33.4
0.027
0.021
28.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2005
86
86
0.51
0.54
21.3
21.3
26.0
24.9
0.119
0.101
29.6
29.8
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.5
2004
82
82
0.53
0.56
21.2
21.2
24.2
23.8
0.043
0.033
28.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.8
2003
106
106
0.52
0.54
21.2
21.2
25.9
26.0
0.046
0.036
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
2002
86
86
0.60
0.61
19.2
19.2
25.6
25.5
0.031
0.026
35.7
35.7
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.4
2001
95
95
0.69
0.75
20.8
21.1
23.7
24.3
0.034
0.027
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
2.6
2.6
2000
94
94
0.70
0.73
11.7
11.8
24.5
25.2
0.037
0.030
12.2
12.2
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
118.6%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
826.6%
827.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
12%
Transportation
Both Northeast Jefferson and Lakewood have a well-connected public transportation system provided by the Regional Transportation District. However, commuters in Lakewood have the added advantage of Light Rail services, which make commuting faster and more efficient.
Transport
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
100
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
5
Means of transportation to work
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Bicycle
0.3%
0.8%
Bus
3.2%
1.4%
Carpooled
10%
6.9%
Car alone
80.3%
86.7%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Streetcar
0%
0.1%
Walked
1.1%
1.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Average
26.6 min
27.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Northeast Jefferson are relatively high compared to Lakewood due to its proximity to the Denver metropolitan area. The housing market in Lakewood is also competitive but offers more affordable options.
Neighborhoods
Northeast Jefferson is known for its peaceful, family-oriented neighborhoods, while Lakewood offers a mix of quiet suburban neighborhoods and vibrant downtown districts with a variety of amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
Houses
180,978
75,300
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.3
Houses occupied
176,726 (97.7%)
70,751 (94%)
Houses occupied by owners
125,208 (70.8%)
42,066 (59.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
51,518 (29.2%)
28,685 (40.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,659
$1,927
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$884,573
$1,482,134
Estimated median house or condo value
$522,903
$483,300
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
7.3
6.9
Renting percentage
31.3%
41.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,047.5
1,810.5
Household income disparities
40.7%
43.6%
Housing units without a mortgage
21,689 (19.3%)
482 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
469 (0.4%)
2,448 (8.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
90,716 (80.7%)
27,297 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
9,124 (8.1%)
273 (1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,287 (14.5%)
3,417 (12.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.6%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
15,916
3,835
State government workers
7,028
2,728
Unpaid family workers
382
567
Industries and Occupations
Northeast Jefferson is strong in computer and mathematical occupations due to the presence of technology companies. Lakewood is known for its robust health care sector, which employs many residents in health diagnosing and treating practitioner occupations.
Health Care
Lakewood hosts the St. Anthony Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the state. Northeast Jefferson, while it doesn't have a major hospital within its boundaries, does have several medical facilities and is also close to major hospitals in the Denver area.
Infrastructure
Lakewood’s infrastructure, which includes roads, public buildings, and parks, is well-maintained and developed. Northeast Jefferson also boasts of good infrastructure, but it has older buildings and fewer parks which make Lakewood's infrastructure slightly preferable.
Infrastructure
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Lakewood
TV stations
19
18
Culture and Food
While Northeast Jefferson is known for its quiet, down-to-earth lifestyle, Lakewood boasts a vibrant art scene with popular shopping districts and a plethora of dining options. Lakewood’s Belmar area is a hotspot for foodies, offering a variety of cuisines.
Sports Teams
Neither city has its own professional sports team, but being in Denver metro area, they both enjoy access to Denver's pro sports teams, including the Denver Broncos NFL team, Denver Nuggets NBA team, Colorado Rockies MLB team, and Colorado Avalanche NHL team.
Northeast Jefferson, CO
Lakewood, CO
